Supporting rim structure of an open insertion end tampon applicator used to post form an insertion end of a tampon pledget

ABSTRACT

There is provided a supporting rim structure of an open-ended tampon applicator for firmly supporting a tampon pledget that has been assembled in the applicator. The applicator supports the pledget around an intermediate section between its insertion end and its rear portion so that the insertion end is exposed outside of the applicator and the rear portion is inside of the applicator. In particular, the rim structure firmly supports the pledget against an axial force subjected to the pledget by a forming tool that forms the insertion end of the pledget into a rounded, hemispherical shape and yet readily allows the pledget to eject from the applicator. The rim structure has a shape that tapers angularly inward from the body of the applicator to form a rigid brace that counters the axial force subjected by the forming tool. Thus, while preventing the insertion end of the pledget from receding back into the applicator, the rim structure allows the pledget to easily eject from the applicator.

This is a division, of application Ser. No. 08/892,088, filed Jul. 14,1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,081, which is a continuation of applicationSer. No. 08/502,715, filed Jul. 14, 1995 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

I. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to tampon assemblies. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a supporting rimstructure of an open insertion end tampon applicator that provides foran improved method for forming a rounded insertion end of a tamponpledget assembled therein.

A tampon assembly, including a tampon pledget and a tampon applicator,may have a rounded insertion end to facilitate the insertion of thetampon pledget into a vagina. The rounded insertion end may be formed onthe applicator, such as a petal tip applicator, or a pledget that ispositioned in the applicator, such as an open insertion end applicator.

For a petal tip applicator, curved flexible petals at the insertion endof the applicator enclose and cover a pledget within the applicator.Alternatively, for an open insertion end applicator, a pledget having arounded insertion end extends from a blunt open end of the applicator.Since the exposed edge of a blunt, open end applicator may beuncomfortable to a user, a pledget having a rounded insertion end ispositioned in front of the blunt open end to provide better comfort.

For open insertion end applicators, when forming a rounded shape at theinsertion end of a pledget, a strong axial force must be applied to thefibers of the pledget to achieve a true rounded, hemispherical shape.Since this axial force tends to exceed the columnar strength of thepledget, the pledget requires both axial and radial support about itsouter surface during formation of the rounded insertion end. Existingmethods utilize special apparatuses for providing the necessary axialand radial support to the pledget during formation of its roundedinsertion end. Since the insertion end is formed before placement of thepledget within the applicator, the pledget must then be carefullyinserted and secured in the applicator without damaging the formedinsertion end. Such insertion can be very difficult.

II. Description of the Prior Art

Processes for providing support to the outer surface of a tampon pledgetas its rounded insertion end is formed are known. For such processes,the rounded insertion end is formed before the pledget is positionedwithin a tampon applicator. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,077,231 to C.A. Fourness, et al., which issued on Apr. 13, 1937; U.S. Pat. No.2,799,055 to J. A. Carrier, which issued on Jul. 16, 1957; U.S. Pat. No.3,683,915 to J. A. Voss, which issued on Aug. 15, 1972; and, U.S. Pat.No. 4,685,178 to T. Nakanishi, which issued on Aug. 11, 1987.

Also, placement of a pledget in an applicator so that its insertion endprojects beyond the insertion end of the applicator is also known. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 2,355,628 to V. Calhoun, which issued on Aug. 15,1944; U.S. Pat. No. 2,386,590 to V. Calhoun, which issued on Oct. 9,1945; U.S. Pat. No. 3,999,549 to R. P. Poncy, et al., which issued onDec. 28, 1976; and, U.S. Pat. No. 4,077,408 to J. L. Murray, et al.,which issued on Mar. 7, 1978. Each provides a pledget having a curved orsemi-curved insertion end that is exposed at one end of the applicator.

Further, a special rim that supports a dispensed product, such as asuppository, in an applicator is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,677,465 toJ. A. Voss titled Applicator Tubes For Suppositories and the Like, whichissued on Jun. 6, 1972. The patent provides a suppository dispenserhaving segments at the forward end of a cylindrical applicator that dropinto a reduced neck portion of the suppository at right angles. Sincethe suppository is a substantially rigid item, the segments simplyprevent the suppository from slipping out of the applicator and aredesigned to flare outward when the suppository is ejected from theapplicator.

Although U.S. Pat. No. 3,667,465, cited above, suggests that itsapplicator may be used for tampon pledgets, it requires the formation ofa substantially rigid neck portion and a tapered rear face that add tothe complexity and cost of manufacturing such a pledget. Also, thepatent provides that the back end of the suppository is tapered tofacilitate insertion into the applicator from the insertion end, thusavoiding any damage to the insertion end of the suppository. However,the patent presumes that the insertion end is formed before placementwithin the applicator and does not provide a way to insert thesuppository or pledget through the back end, opposite the blunt openend, of an applicator. In addition, this patent does not describe orsuggest a method for forming a rounded insertion end of a suppository orpledget.

Short segments formed at the forward end of an applicator are known fortampon pledgets as well as suppositories. For example, U.S. Pat. No.3,717,149 to B. P. Morane titled Injector Package For Catamenial Tampon,which issued on Feb. 20, 1973, provides short segments or petals at theblunt, open insertion end applicator which petals cover the insertionend of the pledget. Thus, similar to a petal tip applicator, thesegments or petals are essentially confined to the forward edge of thepledget and do not provide any support to the pledget in the applicator.

Accordingly, none of the above patents describe or suggest a device ormethod for forming a rounded insertion end to a tampon pledget after thepledget has been assembled in the open insertion end of the tamponapplicator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against the foregoing background, it is a primary object of the presentinvention to provide a open insertion end tampon applicator thatfacilitates the formation of a contoured shape, particularly a roundedor hemispherical shape, on the exposed fibers of a tampon pledget afterassembly of the pledget in the applicator.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a tamponapplicator in which a supporting rim structure of the applicator firmlygrips the pledget assembled therein during formation of the pledget'srounded insertion end and yet readily permits the pledget to eject fromthe applicator for use.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a tamponapplicator in which conventional, high speed manufacturing techniquesmay continue to be used to produce the pledget before assembling thepledget in the applicator and forming its insertion end.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide such atampon applicator in which assembly of the pledget in the applicatorafter formation of its insertion end, which assembly can be expensiveand complex, is rendered unnecessary.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such atampon applicator in which the rim structure of the applicator is tuckedbeneath the insertion end of the pledget.

To accomplish the foregoing objects and advantages, the presentinvention, in brief summary, is a configuration comprising a tamponpledget and a tampon applicator. The tampon pledget has an insertionend, a rear portion and an intermediate section located at an outerperipheral position of the tampon pledget between the insertion end andthe rear portion. The tampon applicator has a rim structure at an endfor supporting the tampon pledget at its intermediate section so thatthe rear portion of the tampon pledget is positioned in the tamponapplicator and the insertion end of the tampon pledget is positionedoutside of the tampon applicator. The rim structure has a frustum-shapethat is tapered angularly inward toward the intermediate section of thetampon pledget at a predetermined angle away from the remainder of thetampon applicator for permitting the rear portion of the tampon pledgetto eject from the tampon applicator and yet substantially hinder theinsertion end of the tampon pledget from entering the tampon applicatorwhen an axial force is applied to the insertion end of the tamponpledget.

The rounded insertion end of the tampon pledget is formed by the methodcomprising the initial step of forming a rim structure at one end of thetampon applicator that is tapered angularly inward from the remainder ofthe tampon applicator. The rim structure permits a tampon pledget topass through the rim structure in a first axial direction and yethinders the tampon pledget from passing through the rim structure in asecond axial direction opposite the first axial direction. Then, thetampon pledget is supported within the rim structure such that aninsertion end of the tampon pledget is exposed outside of the tamponapplicator. Next, an axial force is applied to the insertion end of thetampon pledget to mold a portion of the insertion end over the rimstructure and shape the remaining portion of the insertion end into arounded form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and still further the objects and advantages of thepresent invention will be more apparent from the following detailedexplanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention in connectionwith the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a planar view of the preferred embodiment of the tamponapplicator of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a planar view of a first preferred rim structure of theapplicator of FIG. 1, showing angular segments at a partially formedrim;

FIG. 2A is a planar view of a second preferred rim structure of theapplicator of FIG. 1, showing rounded segments at the partially formedrim;

FIG. 3 is another planar view of the first preferred rim structure ofthe applicator of FIG. 1, showing angular segments at a fully formedrim;

FIG. 3A is another planar view of the second preferred rim structure ofthe applicator of FIG. 1, showing rounded segments at the fully formedrim;

FIG. 4A through 4E are exploded, sectional views of the step-by-stepmethod of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A and 5B are enlarged sectional views of the insertion end of thetampon applicator of FIGS. 4A and 4B; and

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the final configuration of the preferredembodiment produced by the steps of FIGS. 4A through 4E.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the figures and, in particular to FIG. 1, there is provideda tampon assembly which is generally represented by reference numeral10. The tampon assembly 10 includes a tampon pledget 20 that isassembled in a tampon applicator 38. The tampon applicator 38 includesan applicator barrel 40 and an applicator plunger 60. A rim structure 44is formed at the forward or open end 42 of the barrel 40 of theapplicator 38. The tampon assembly 10 is shown with an upper left sideof the applicator barrel 40 removed to show a portion of the tamponpledget 20 therein. The pledget 20 includes a body comprising aninsertion end 22 that has a rounded, hemispherical shape to facilitateinsertion into a vagina, an intermediate section 24 and a rear portion26.

The formation of the rounded insertion end 22 requires a high amount ofaxial force 72 that is applied and subjected by a forming tool 70 toachieve the desired rounded, hemispherical shape. Heat and moisture mayalso be applied as part of this forming process. As shown in FIG. 1, theforming tool 70 is positioned adjacent to the insertion end of thetampon pledget 20. Although the tampon assembly 10 is shown verticallyin FIG. 1, the position of the tampon assembly is not critical so longas the insertion end 22 of the pledget 20 is positioned accessible tothe forming tool 70, and may be positioned horizontally as shown inFIGS. 4A through 4E.

The tampon assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a completed product. Therounded insertion end 22 of the tampon pledget 20 has already beenformed by the forming tool 70. Also, the insertion end 22 of the pledget20 has an enlarged base 30 to cover the blunt, exposed edge at the openend 42 of the barrel 40.

The barrel 40 is a predominantly cylindrical tube having ridges orfinger grips 62 at the back end 64 and a rim structure 44 at the forwardor open end 42. The rim structure 44 has a substantially frustum shapethat tapers angularly and radially inward from the cylindrical body 46of the barrel 40. The rim structure 44 may have an outer surface that iscontinuous (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) or segmented (as shown in FIGS.2A and 3A). The pledget 20 is supported at the boundary or intermediatesection within the rim structure 44 such that the insertion end 22 isexposed outside of the barrel 40 and the remaining portion of the rearportion 26 of the pledget is enclosed within the barrel.

The rim structure 44 produces a conical and angular counterforce orsupport represented by reference arrows 48 that supports the pledget 20in the rim structure. This conical and angular support 48 counters theaxial force 72 applied by the forming tool 70 to the insertion end 22 ofthe pledget 20. The rim structure 44 tapers angularly upward and inwardat the intermediate section 24 of the pledget 20, thereby providingaxial and radial support to the insertion end 22. Also, the rimstructure 44 is capable of maintaining the intermediate section 24therein against an axial force 72 strong enough to shape the insertionend 22 of the pledget 20. The axial force 72 varies with the applicationof heat and/or moisture during the forming process.

The rim structure 44 has a predetermined angle, from the cylindricalbody 46 to the open end 42 about the intermediate section 24 of thepledget 20, that is large enough to substantially support the pledget inthe rim structure and yet small enough to easily release the pledget fordispensing. For the preferred embodiment, for example, the predeterminedangle is about 30 degrees to about 45 degrees, and preferably about 45degrees. For the predetermined angle of the preferred embodiment, it hasbeen determined that lesser angles are much less effective at supportingthe pledget in the rim structure 44 whereas greater angles would requiresubstantially more force to dispense the pledget from the rim structure.

The axial force 72 must not exceed the columnar strength of the barrel40 to avoid damage to the barrel. Preferably, the axial force 72 is nogreater than about 85% of the columnar strength of the barrel 40 inorder to apply sufficient forming force to the insertion end 22 of thepledget 20 without the risk of damaging the barrel. One method ofdetermining this preferred level of axial force 72 is to applyincreasingly the force to the insertion end 22 of the pledget 20 untilthe barrel 40 begins to distort and, then, reducing the axial force byabout 15% to reach the preferred level of axial force.

When the forming tool 70 applies the axial force 72 to the insertion end22, an inner portion of the insertion end may attempt to pass throughthe open aperture surrounding the intermediate section 24. However, theconical and angular support 48 produced by the rim structure 44 retainsthe intermediate section 24 within the rim structure and prevents theinsertion end 22 from entering the inside of the barrel 40. The rimstructure 44 also permits the pledget 20 to eject outward from thebarrel 40 due to its tapered inner surface 52 of the rim structure 44.

It is to be understood that the present invention may utilize a widevariety of different forming tools to form the rounded insertion end ofthe pledget. For example, an alternative forming tool is set forth inU.S. Pat. No. 5,639,248 titled METHOD FOR POST FORMING A ROUNDEDINSERTION END OF A TAMPON PLEDGET OF AN OPEN-ENDED APPLICATOR, filed oneven date, which patent is owned by the assignee of the presentinvention. This patent is incorporated herein by reference.

The tampon plunger 60 is slidably positioned within barrel 40 so that aportion of the plunger extends from the back end 64 of the barrel. Adraw string 28 extends from the rear portion 26 of the pledget 20 (notshown), passes through the hollow inner core of the plunger 60, and isexposed beyond the back end 64 of the plunger.

The rim structure 44 of the present invention may be formed having awide variety of structural supports and elements so long as the rimstructure supports the pledget 20 against the axial force 72 applied bythe forming tool 70 when forming the insertion end 22 of the pledget. Asexamples, a first preferred rim structure is shown in FIGS. 2 & 3, and asecond preferred rim structure is shown in FIGS. 2A & 3A.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 2A, a plurality of small separate, hingedsegments 50 & 50A which form the rim structure 44 & 44A are providedaround the open end 42 & 42A of the barrel 40. In FIG. 2, each segment50 of the first preferred form has a trapezoidal shape bordered by adistal edge 54, two lateral tapered sides 56 and a hinge 58. The distaledge 54 of each segment 50 is parallel to the hinge 58. In FIG. 2A, eachsegment 50A of the second preferred form has a radius tip 54A, twolateral tapered sides 56A and a hinge 58A. The hinge 58A is directlyopposed to the radius tip 54A located at the root of the petal segment50A.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A, the lateral tapered sides 56 & 56A of eachsegment 50 & 50A are angled inward toward the distal edge 54 or distalradius 54A. Preferably, the lateral tapered sides 56 & 56A are formed byremoving intervals of wedges (not shown) from the open end 42 of thebarrel 40, and the hinge 58 is formed by perforating the lower portionof each segment 50 & 50A. Before formation of the rim structure 44 iscompleted, as shown in FIG. 2, the segments 50 & 50A are flush or evenwith the outer surface of the barrel 40.

Referring to FIG. 3 and 3A, the rim structure 44 is completely formed bybending each segment 50 & 50A inward at the hinges 58 & 58A so that thelateral sides 56 & 56A of the segments come in full or partial contactwith each other. The distal edges 54 or distal radius 54A of thesegments 50 & 50A come together to form a continuous circular edge(shown in FIG. 3) or scalloped edge (shown in FIG. 3A) at the topportion of the rim structure 44 & 44A. The lateral sides 56 & 56A abutagainst each other to provide radial support for the rim structure 44 &44A. They also provide axial support that counters the axial force 72applied to the rim structure 44 & 44A. In this manner, the segments 50 &50A provide the requisite radial and axial support at the intermediatesection 24 of the pledget 20 during the formation of the insertion end22. The segments 50 & 50A grip the intermediate section 24 firmlyenough, and at a proper angle, to permit the formation of the roundedinsertion end 22 after the pledget 20 has been inserted into the barrel40.

The pledget 20 is made of a material having a high liquid absorbentquality. Such materials include rayon, cotton, cotton/rayon blends andpaper filler type materials. For the preferred embodiment, the pledget20 includes a plurality of fibers 30 extending the length of the pledgetin order to provide a wicking channel to draw fluids, particularlymenstrual fluids, away from the insertion end 22 and towards the rearportion 26. The pledget 20 is, preferably, made of a cotton/rayon blend.

Although the material compositions of the barrel 42 and plunger 44 ofthe applicator 40 may vary, it is preferred that they be made of similarmaterials. The most common materials are the light yet semi-rigid typeof materials, including plain or coated paper or cardboard or plastic.The coatings that may be used on the paper or cardboard include wax,plastic and cellulose.

The forming tool 70 may be made of a wide variety of materials that arehard enough to form a rounded, hemispherical shape at the insertion end22 of the pledget 20. In addition, the forming tool 70 may be coatedwith steel, brass, copper or plastic in order to prevent rust andoxidation. Furthermore, the forming tool 70, and in particular thealuminum forming tool, may be anodized to prevent oxidation. Thepreferred composition of the forming tool is aluminum or stainlesssteel.

Optionally, the forming tool may be heated within a temperature range ofabout 150 degrees to about 310 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 to about15 seconds. The temperature and time of heating will depend upon theproperties of the fiber materials being formed by the forming tool.Preferably, the forming tool will be heated a temperature of about 300degrees Fahrenheit for about 7 seconds.

Referring to FIGS. 4A through 4E, there is shown the five major stepsfor forming the rounded insertion end 22 of the tampon pledget 20 of thepreferred embodiment. Before the insertion end 22 is formed, thetrapezoid-shaped segments 44 is first constructed at the rim structure44, as shown in FIG. 2. Also, the rim structure 44 must taperedangularly inward from the outer surface of the barrel 40 so that thesegments 44 are adjacent and continuous with one another, as shown inFIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the pledget 20 is inserted into the barrel 40through the back end 64 opposite the rim structure 44. The pledget 20 issupported at its intermediate section 24 within the rim structure 44such that the insertion end 22, not yet formed, is exposed outside ofthe barrel 40, as shown in FIG. 4B. Thus, the rear portion 26 of thepledget 20 is positioned in the applicator 38 and the insertion end 22is positioned outside of the applicator. The plunger 60 is then insertedthrough the back end 64 into the barrel 40 and is positioned adjacent tothe rear portion 26 of the pledget 20, as shown in FIG. 4B. The plunger60 axially supports the pledget 20 against any axial force received insubsequent steps, such as the axial force 72 subjected by the formingtool 70, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D. This axial support from theplunger 60 is not necessary for the present invention, but simplysupplements the conical and angular support 48 of the rim structure 44.

As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the forming tool 70 is then applied to thenon-formed insertion end 22 of the pledget 20 that is assembled in theapplicator 38. The axial force 72 applied by the forming tool 70 causesa portion of the insertion end 22 to expand over the rim structure 44and, thus, forms the enlarged base 30 (shown in FIG. 1) of the insertionend 22. At the same time, the remaining frontal portion of the insertionend 22 is shaped into a rounded, hemispherical form. The conical andangular counterforces or support 48 provided by the rim structure 44counters the axial force 72 of the forming tool 70 and retains thepledget 20 in the desired position within the rim structure duringformation of the rounded insertion end 22.

Referring to FIG. 4E, the forming tool 70 is drawn away from theinsertion end 22 of the pledget 20 after formation of the roundedinsertion end. At this point, the tampon assembly 10 is essentiallycomplete and ready for packing and distribution without the need for anyfurther assembly or manufacturing.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, there are shown enlarged views of theinsertion end 22 corresponding the FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively. Inparticular, FIG. 5A shows the rim structure 44 before the pledget 20 hasbeen inserted, and FIG. 5B shows the rim structure after the pledget hasbeen supported therein. As shown in FIG. 5A, the lateral sides 56 ofeach segment 50 are in contact with each other and form the continuousrim structure 44. However, as shown in FIG. 5B, the segments 50 flexoutward in order to adapt to the outer peripheral surface of the pledget20. In this manner, the rim structure 44 has a strong yet flexible gripat the intermediate section 24 of the pledget 20 which is necessary forthe formation of the insertion end 22.

Referring to FIG. 6, the final assembly of the tampon pledget 20 and thetampon applicator 38 combination of the preferred embodiment is shown.For insertion of the pledget 20 into a vagina, the plunger 60 is pressedthrough the back end 64 of the barrel 40 to apply an axial pressure orforce to the rear portion 26 of the pledget 20. Due to the tapered andangular form of the inner surface 52 of the rim structure 44, the rearportion 26 of the pledget 20 easily traverses the rim structure andejects from the barrel 40 of the applicator 38.

The invention having been thus described with particular reference tothe preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious that various changes andmodifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Wherefore, we claim:
 1. A method for forming a rounded insertion end ofa tampon pledget for use in an open-end tampon applicator barrel,wherein the tampon applicator barrel has a rim structure at the open-endthat permits the tampon pledget to pass through said rim structure in afirst axial direction, yet hinders the tampon pledget from passingthrough said rim structure in a second axial direction opposite thefirst axial direction, said method comprising the steps of:supportingthe tampon pledget in said rim structure so that the insertion end ofthe tampon pledget is exposed outside of the tampon applicator barrel;and applying an axial force to the insertion end of the tampon pledgetto mold a first portion of the insertion end over said rim structure andshape a second portion of the insertion end into a rounded form.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the tampon pledget has a rear portion that ispositioned in the tampon applicator barrel.
 3. The method of claim 1,further comprising the step of positioning the tampon pledget in thetampon applicator barrel before supporting the tampon pledget in saidrim structure.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step ofpositioning a plunger in the tampon applicator barrel at an end oppositethe open-end of the tampon applicator barrel so that the plunger isadjacent to the tampon pledget, before supporting the tampon pledget insaid rim structure.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said supportingstep includes permitting said rim structure to flex outward as thetampon pledget passes therethrough in order to adapt said rim structureto an outer surface of the tampon pledget.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein said tampon applicator barrel has a columnar strength greaterthan said axial force.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said axialforce is about 15% less than the columnar strength of the tamponapplicator barrel.
 8. A method for forming a rounded insertion end of atampon pledget for use in an open-end tampon applicator barrel having anopen end, said method comprising the steps of:forming a rim structure atthe open-end of the tampon applicator barrel, wherein said rim structurepermits the tampon pledget to pass through said rim structure in a firstaxial direction, yet hinders the tampon pledget from passing throughsaid rim structure in a second axial direction opposite the first axialdirection; positioning the tampon pledget in the tampon applicatorbarrel; positioning a plunger in the tampon applicator barrel at an endopposite the open-end of the tampon applicator barrel so that theplunger is adjacent to the tampon pledget; supporting the tampon pledgetin said rim structure so that the insertion end of the tampon pledget isexposed outside of the tampon applicator barrel; and applying an axialforce to the insertion end of the tampon pledget to mold a first portionof the insertion end over said rim structure and shape a second portionof the insertion end into a rounded form.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein said forming step includes constructing a plurality of petalsegments at the open-end of the tampon applicator barrel and taperingsaid plurality of petal segments angularly inward to form afrustum-shape for said rim structure.
 10. The method of claim 8, whereinsaid supporting step includes permitting said rim structure to flexoutward while the tampon pledget is passed therethrough in order toadapt said rim structure to an outer surface of the tampon pledget. 11.The method of claim 8, wherein said tampon applicator barrel has acolumnar strength greater than said axial force.
 12. The method of claim11, wherein said axial force is about 15% less than the columnarstrength of the tampon applicator barrel.